Nancy Wolfe Juan Jose Fernandez Carla Wynn
Alan Joice Bob Loesche Pat Mirsky
Linda Simon Nancy Zeller Chris Hanrahan
Pat Anley Young Karen Shaines Ben Beach
Lois Calhoun San-Dee Ostrach Terri Lukas
Katie Rosenberg Chester Hartman Joann Waiters
Pam Tittle Carole Brand Marvin Caldwell
Joyce Gwadtz Linna Barnes
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm.
The minutes from the last meeting (May 20) were approved.
Lucy reported that the 2002-2003 budget is “ambitious” – a total of $40,000. We aim to have $10,000 each in PTSA dues and contributions as well as another $15,000 from the Giant certificate program and other miscellaneous income. The expenses for the year will be pretty much the same as last year bumped up for inflation and to reflect reality—we spent a lot of money last year on the Banter and postage, for example. We think we have enough in this year’s budget for that.
The budget was accepted.
Bob Loesche, the new treasurer, reiterated that the PTSA has two active accounts: membership – with over $13,000 in dues and contributions already (Katie Rosenburg is in charge) and the Giant certificates. Pam Feinstein is in charge of that. Program. At this point 400 families have joined the PTSA, so we still have a ways to go. A mailing will be going out reminding people to pay their dues and also soliciting contributions.
Dave Hoagland (Student Government Vice President) reported that the Homecoming theme for this year is “Wish Upon a Star”. The student representatives are working on a parade of floats to be held before the game. Freshmen class elections were held today. Thirty three kids ran for office. Katy added that the elections resulted in some ties, which need to be resolved so that the 9th graders can get their float together
. Katy reported that the opening of school this year was “uneventful” and smooth This year the student body totals 1511 students. There are 411 freshmen and the senior class is down to the low 300’s. As a result of the increased number of students, some classes are too large and this will be addressed. B-CC received .6 of a person from MCPS, Katy explained, which covers three class sections. Getting part-time teachers is very difficult. As the year progresses the harder it is on students to change them around. Science classes have some of the largest sizes –up to 31 or 32. This number is acceptable to the County but we don’t like it. We could still use additional math and science classes. This coming spring we need to lobby for the teachers we need the following year because waiting until the fall is too late.
Back To School Night was a huge success, Katy added, despite some problems with the bell times. She said she is tempted to change the format and have parents start in the 1st period classes and watch a short introduction by her via TV sets in the classrooms.
Regarding the Homecoming parade, the kids wanted to come down East-West highway but could not get a permit for that, so they will parade through the other streets and end up in the parking lot. There will be a Pep Rally on Friday during 7th period in the stadium (if it doesn’t rain) with games and activities. No outsiders can be allowed in the dance due to lack of space. There is a limit of 800 students—not even enough for all B-CC students.
The PSAT will be held on Oct. 15—the 9th grade will take it for practice in class, and the 10th graders can take it for free. Juniors and others must pay a $9.50 fee.
Katy mentioned that there are still five unfinished classrooms currently being used by the construction company. B-CC needs that space for classes. We have too many teachers “floating” without classrooms. The other issue that needs to be addressed before the construction company leaves it the outside concession stand which is inadequate.
Re: a new marquee out front: Katy would like a digital one but in the same brick work as the school. This was not part of the construction plans, so it will have to be purchased separately. The school now has digital clocks in the hallways to remind students of the exact time and reduce lateness to class. Re: the School Improvement Plan—more work is needed on this. Katy will address this in more detail next month.
Lunch – The return rate of students is much better. Teachers are reminding them about tardiness and the kids know that open lunch is a privilege that can be taken away. Not all doors are kept open for security reasons.
Dance/security – There will be security present as well as 10-12 teachers, 4 administrators, 4 school security people, and 2 police. This is routine.
Wake-Up – The proposed “2-8” pilot program ( for changing the times for certain subjects) did not work out. The Wake-Up committee, a county-wide organization, has a report on this on the web-site. Chester Hartman, a member of the group, said that there is increased interest in the idea of some school time changes throughout the county and that a continuous committee at B-CC would help. B-CC could still pilot a program if the county agrees. The issue of what involvement, if any, the B-CC PTSA should have in the issue was discussed. Lucy noted that there are 2 issues –evaluating later start times and advocating them. Advocating needs the vote of the membership. Katie Rosenburg added that there are differing opinions on the idea; the cluster schools voted against the program, but others support it, especially Westland. Katy added that the Wake-Up committee needs some direction from the School Board so that B-CC can get permission to try a flex period without it needing to be cluster-wide. The issue was put on hold for further discussion due to time restraints.
Traffic
Carole Brand reported that there will be a meeting next week with the State and County Highway Depts. regarding the changes made to improve pedestrian safety in front of the school. She would appreciate parents’ input.
Carole also reported that the B-CC, Walter Johnson, Wheaton, and Whitman clusters will hold a school board candidates' forum at Kensington Parkwood Elementary, 4710 Saul Road, in Kensington, on Wednesday, October 16, at 7:30 pm. This forum is open to the public, and there will be time for questions from the audience.
Pat Mirsky said that the Boosters donated funds for the Pep Rally and parade. The parade is from 5:15pm to 6:00pm on Fri. and the game is at 6:30. She announced that the King and Queen would be announced at Halftime in the field. On Saturday morning the JV team will play and there will be a flower and candy sale. The dance on Sat. is from 8pm-11pm and volunteers are needed . There will also be an Alumni reception and tours will be given. Pat and her coordinators are also reaching out to cluster schools to attend.
Pam Feinstein explained that we get 5% from the sales of these cards. She just sold almost $20,000 worth, and that will net us $1000. The cards will come in different denominations this year, from $200 to $25 at no additional cost to the buyer. People can pre-date their checks for the year so as not to have to do it every month. Cards are delivered in person to your home. There’s also the Giant Aplus card program where you register your card at the store and B-CC gets a cut when you shop.
This will be held on Oct. 15. There will also be a new family reception. San-Dee Ostrach pointed out that there are also 157 new students besides freshmen.
Art – Carole Brand says the school has been approached by people offering art work to the school and we are in need of someone to set up these donations.
Joanie Edwards announced that there will be a welcoming breakfast for faculty on Oct. 2, then every month on the 1st Monday of the month. She needs people to help set-up.
9th Grade Parent Peer meeting - The first meeting of the year will be on Oct. 1 from 7-9pm in the cafeteria.
Senior Parent Peer – The first of several meetings will take place on Sept. 19 at 7:30 pm in the auditorium.
Weekly calendar – Watch for Connie Lohse’s weekly calendar of events on the e-net. If you have any events to announce, contact her at Clohse@erols.com.
Plant Sale – On Sat. Sept. 28th, there will be a plant sale at the school, featuring mums and pansies –from 9am –12 noon.
Nancy Zeller lead interested members of the group on a tour of the “Blue and Gold Room”, B-CC’s new press box overlooking the football field. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm.
Respectfully submitted
Nancy Wolfe